All eyes on the auction as squads lock in retentions
The countdown to the IPL 2026 auction has begun in earnest, with all ten franchises confirming their player retentions and releases. Each team began with a total purse of ₹125 crore (approx. US$14.1 million), from which the retention and trade activity has left varying balances going into the auction. This annual pre-auction shake-up has seen big names traded, experienced players released, and team balances recalibrated — all ahead of what promises to be a strategic bidding war.
With squad structures finalized, attention now turns to which holes teams will look to fill when the hammer drops. According to ESPNcricinfo, each franchise enters the auction with a clear set of requirements — from power-hitters and finishers to specialist spinners and overseas allrounders.
Here’s how the squads stack up, including their remaining purse balances, squad gaps, and the approach they may take at the IPL 2026 auction.
Chennai Super Kings
After trading Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings enter the auction with flexibility and ambition. With a purse of ₹43.4 crore (approx. US$4.9 million), they have the financial muscle to target a high-impact overseas allrounder — possibly names like Russell, Maxwell, Livingstone, or Green. They’re also expected to seek seam-bowling cover for Nathan Ellis.
Released: Devon Conway, Deepak Hooda, Matheesha Pathirana, and others
Retained: MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson (traded in), Dewald Brewis, Shivam Dube, Noor Ahmad, and more
Slots remaining: 9 (4 overseas)
Delhi Capitals
With Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk released, Delhi Capitals have a clear gap in their top-order batting. While they retained Mitchell Starc and KL Rahul, the squad needs more overseas reinforcement — they currently have just three. With ₹21.8 crore (approx. US$2.5 million) to spend, Delhi could be active early in the auction.
Released: Donovan Ferreira (traded), Darshan Nalkande, Faf du Plessis, others
Retained: Nitish Rana (traded in), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and more
Slots remaining: 8 (5 overseas)
Gujarat Titans
Despite a relatively conservative list of releases, Gujarat Titans will be searching for a lower-order finisher after trading Sherfane Rutherford to Mumbai Indians. With only ₹12.9 crore (approx. US$1.5 million) in their purse, smart purchases will be essential. The franchise may also look to add another allrounder to their already balanced lineup.
Released: Sherfane Rutherford (traded), Dasun Shanaka, Gerald Coetzee, others
Retained: Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, and more
Slots remaining: 5 (4 overseas)
Kolkata Knight Riders
One of the most active teams during the trade window, Kolkata Knight Riders released Andre Russell, Quinton de Kock, and Venkatesh Iyer, signaling a major squad overhaul. With the largest remaining purse — ₹64.3 crore (approx. US$7.3 million) — KKR are expected to aggressively pursue a wicketkeeper, an opener, and an allrounder to balance the squad.
Released: Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, others
Retained: Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Ajinkya Rahane, and more
Slots remaining: 13 (6 overseas)
Lucknow Super Giants
Lucknow’s roster saw notable departures, including David Miller and Ravi Bishnoi, and the franchise may now seek replacements for both. With ₹22.95 crore (approx. US$2.6 million) available, they’re also likely to pursue an allrounder. Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar arrived via trades, boosting the bowling department.
Released: David Miller, Shardul Thakur (traded), Shamar Joseph, others
Retained: Rishabh Pant, Avesh Khan, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and more
Slots remaining: 6 (4 overseas)
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians have the least amount of money heading into the auction — just ₹2.75 crore (approx. US$310.4k). But with an already stacked squad featuring Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, they may not need to be too active. The roster appears well-balanced, and major buys seem unlikely.
Released: Arjun Tendulkar (traded), Karn Sharma, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and more
Retained: Sherfane Rutherford (traded in), Shardul Thakur (traded in), Deepak Chahar, Tilak Varma, and others
Slots remaining: 5 (1 overseas)
Punjab Kings
Despite releasing Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis, Punjab Kings appear relatively settled. Their first-choice XI is largely intact, and with a modest purse of ₹11.5 crore (approx. US$1.3 million), the franchise may take a conservative approach at the auction.
Released: Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Kyle Jamieson, others
Retained: Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal, and more
Slots remaining: 4 (2 overseas)
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals have made significant trades, acquiring Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, while sending Sanju Samson and Nitish Rana out. With multiple spin options released — including Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana — the Royals are expected to target replacements in that department. They could also go after an experienced fast bowler, with ₹16.05 crore (approx. US$1.8 million) in the bank.
Released: Samson (traded), Hasaranga, Theekshana, Kumar Kartikeya, others
Retained: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Jofra Archer, and others
Slots remaining: 9 (1 overseas)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
After releasing Liam Livingstone and Lungi Ngidi, RCB are in search of an overseas pace bowler to back up Josh Hazlewood, especially considering his possible heavy international workload. A backup for Yash Dayal, who has been out of action since the IPL 2025 final, is also on the agenda. With ₹16.4 crore (approx. US$1.9 million) remaining, they have room to maneuver.
Released: Liam Livingstone, Mayank Agarwal, Lungi Ngidi, others
Retained: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Tim David, and others
Slots remaining: 8 (2 overseas)
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad go into the auction with a healthy purse of ₹25.5 crore (approx. US$2.9 million) and multiple vacancies. With the release of Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar, spin bowling options are a top priority. They’ll also be looking to strengthen the squad with an allrounder and an Indian fast bowler.
Released: Mohammed Shami (traded), Adam Zampa, Rahul Chahar, Wiaan Mulder, and others
Retained: Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Harshal Patel, and more
Slots remaining: 10 (2 overseas)
Final word
With fresh strategies, bold trades, and auction war chests ranging from massive to modest, each franchise is poised to address key squad gaps. Whether building depth, chasing stars, or hunting bargains, the IPL 2026 auction promises intrigue, surprises — and a few bidding wars that could reshape the season ahead.
